Abnormal corticomotor excitability assessed in biceps brachii preceding pronator contraction post-stroke

Objective To assess corticomotor (CM) excitability of the antagonist biceps brachii (BB) post-stroke in preparation for pronator contraction. In healthy subjects, we previously demonstrated that prior to pronator contraction CM excitability of the antagonist BB was suppressed. Methods Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to assess pre-contraction changes in motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude of the BB, when BB was acting either as an antagonist or an agonist. TMS was applied 100–200 ms prior to rhythmic isometric BB or pronator contractions in chronic stroke survivors and age/gender matched healthy control subjects. Results Prior to pronator contraction, MEPs in BB were elicited in the stroke group but were absent in healthy controls indicating that CM excitability of the antagonist BB was increased post-stroke. The extent of the abnormal increase in excitability positively correlated with the extent of upper limb motor impairment. Conclusions Our results suggest that an alteration of cortical control mechanisms regulating motor excitability of the antagonist BB may contribute to the impairment of upper limb motor coordination post-stroke. Significance This study offers a unique approach to study the potential for a cortical origin of post-stroke motor discoordination.